20th Anniversary Blog: Q&A with Daniella Grønne, Chief Operations Officer

operations

Interview with Daniella Grønne, Chief Operations Officer

Introduction and background

Can you tell us a bit about your background and what led you to join Appear?

I have over 10 years of experience in technology heavy environments, starting my career as consultant and quickly moving into leadership roles. My journey has taken me through various sectors, where I have built my skills in strategic planning and operational excellence. The opportunity to join Appear as the Chief Operations Officer was a perfect match for my background and passion for Innovation. I was drawn by the company’s commitment to pushing boundaries in mediatech and its vibrant, forward-thinking culture.

What excites you most about being the new COO at a mediatech company like Appear?

What excites me the most is the dynamic nature of the mediatech industry. The intersection of media and technology offers endless possibilities for innovation and creativity. Being at Appear, I am thrilled to work with a team that is leading these advancements, driving impactful change and setting new industry standards. The potential to shape the future of media technology and create products that enhance user experiences globally is very motivating.

Leadership and Vision

How do you envision the future of the company as we enter our third decade?

I envision Appear becoming a global leader in mediatech innovation, known for our cutting-edge solutions and exceptional user experiences. We will continue to expand our product offerings, leveraging emerging technologies as the company has done for the last 20 years to create the best media experiences. Our focus will be on sustainable growth, fostering strategic partnerships, and maintaining our commitment to our customers.

What leadership principles guide you in your role as COO?

My leadership principles are centered around transparency, autonomy, collaboration, and continuous improvement. I believe in fostering an open and inclusive environment where every team member feels valued and empowered to contribute. By encouraging collaboration across all levels of the organization and continuously seeking ways to improve our processes and products, we will achieve excellence and continue to deliver value to our customers.

Can you share some of the key initiatives or strategies you plan to implement to drive Appear forward?

Our focus is on expanding our global reach by entering new markets and tailoring our offerings to meet the diverse needs of different regions whilst continuing to deliver in our core markets.  We plan to introduce supporting services that complement our current products. These services will include consulting services to help our customers maximize the value of our solutions. By offering these additional services, we aim to create a more holistic ecosystem around our products, ensuring our customers have all the tools and support they need to succeed.

Innovation and Technology

In a fast-evolving sector like the mediatech industry, how do you stay ahead of trends and ensure the company remains at the cutting edge?

Staying ahead of trends requires a proactive approach to innovation which has been Appears strength for decades.  We maintain close relationships with industry experts, attend key conferences, and invest in continuous learning for our team and we have an  innovation lab within the company where we experiment with new technologies and concepts, allowing us to rapidly prototype and iterate on new ideas.  Innovation needs structure and process and I am looking forward to the continued improvement of our ways of working as we intend to continue to lead by way of technology offering.

What role does innovation play in your vision for Appear’s future?

Innovation is at the core of my vision for Appear. It drives our ability to create unique and valuable products that differentiate us in the market. By fostering a culture of creativity and experimentation, we can continuously evolve our offerings and lead the industry in setting new standards. Our commitment to innovation ensures that we not only meet the current needs of our customers but also anticipate and shape future trends.

Challenges and Opportunities

What are some of the biggest challenges you anticipate in the coming years, and how do you plan to tackle them?

One of the biggest challenges will be navigating the rapid pace of technological change and ensuring we remain agile and adaptable. To tackle this, we will prioritise flexibility in our operations and maintain a strong focus on continuous learning and development. Another challenge is the increasing competition in the mediatech space, which we will address by consistently delivering high-quality, innovative products and exceptional customer service so our customers are leading in their space.

What opportunities do you see on the horizon that you’re particularly excited about?’

I am particularly excited about the opportunities in expanding our footprint. There is significant potential in emerging markets where the demand for innovative mediatech solutions is rapidly growing. Another exciting opportunity lies in the continued integration of sustainability into our operations and products, as there is a growing demand for environmentally responsible technology solutions. This not only aligns with our corporate values and how we are currently working but also secures our continued position as a leader in the sustainable tech movement.

Company Culture and Team

How do you plan to foster a positive and inclusive company culture?

Fostering a positive and inclusive company culture starts with setting clear expectations and maintaining open lines of communication. We will continue to be transparent regularly communicate our values and goals to ensure everyone is on the same page. By championing these initiatives, we aim to create a workplace where everyone feels valued and empowered to contribute their best.

What qualities do you value most in your team, and how do you nurture those qualities?

I value qualities such as creativity, resilience, and a collaborative spirit. Humor is important to me.  Even the toughest tasks benefit from laughter and good spirits, sometimes that what gets you through it. To nurture creativity, resilience and collaboration, we will provide opportunities for professional growth and development, encourage cross-functional teamwork, and recognize and reward innovative thinking.  The good humor will hopefully follow.

Advice and Inspiration

What advice would you give to young women aspiring to reach leadership positions in tech?

While this advice is not gender-specific, I recommend seeking out mentors and role models who can offer valuable guidance and support. Don’t be afraid to take risks and step out of your comfort zone. Embrace opportunities to step beyond your defined role, take on new challenges, and address any gaps you see. Strive to be the person who finds solutions and continuously works to improve your environment. As a side note: I have found, in my experience, that technology environments offer such diversity in interests and personalities that there is room for all kinds of people.  So I hope to see more women in the future that experience tech environments as I have. They feel like home more than any other environment I have been in.

Can you share a moment in your career that you found particularly inspiring or transformative

Rather than a single moment, it’s the accumulation of diverse experiences that has been transformative for me. Working across various sectors and roles, I’ve encountered challenges that have significantly shaped me.  Leading multidisciplinary teams in high-pressure projects has taught me the importance of clear communication, collaboration, and decisive decision-making whether that be for a customer or in-house.  Navigating different business practices and expectations required a high level of adaptability and has given me a keen sense of situational awareness.

I’ve worked in startups and larger corporations that has provided me with a balanced perspective on innovation and scalability. In startups, I learned to be resourceful and agile, often wearing multiple hats to drive projects forward. In larger organisations, I appreciated the importance of structured processes and long-term strategic planning.  This continuous learning journey is what I find most inspiring, as it allows me to evolve and adapt in an ever-changing landscape at any time.

Closing Thoughts

As we celebrate our 20th anniversary this year, what message would you like to send to our customers and partners on this special occasion. As we celebrate our 20th anniversary, I ‘d like to extend my gratitude to our customers and partners for their support and trust. Your partnership has been instrumental in Appears’ journey and I look forward to many more years of collaboration and success together. Thank you for being an integral part of our story.

Find Daniella on Linkedin